Accoeding to the news from http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090511/tuk-uk-swine-flu-infections-rise-to65-dba1618.html, Ten new cases of swine flu have been confirmed by health officials in England, taking the total number of UK infections to 65.

Ten new cases of swine flu have been confirmed by health officials in England, taking the total number of UK infections to 65.

The Health Protection Agency says another seven adults and three children have contracted the disease.

The news came as four schools reopened in time for the crucial exams season after being closed when pupils became infected.

Three of them - Alleyn’s School in Dulwich, southeast London, Paignton Community and Sports College in Devon, and Downend School in Gloucestershire - are secondary schools with pupils sitting GCSEs and A-levels.

The Dolphin School, a private prep school in Battersea, southwest London, has also resumed classes.

But another school, the independent Hampton School in southwest London, has announced it is closing for a week from Monday.

One of its first-year pupils has been diagnosed with influenza A. The case has not yet been confirmed as swine flu but further tests are being carried out.

On Sunday, officials said medical experts were investigating 384 suspected cases of swine flu.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “So far, all infections in the UK have been mild, and cases have been diagnosed and treated early.

“This reduces the severity of symptoms, and helps to limit the spread.

“But we must not be complacent - it is right to prepare for the possibility of a global pandemic. The UK’s arrangements are continuing to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection.”

Susan B. Yox, RN, EdD

Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Outbreaks are common in pigs year-round, but infection in humans historically is a result of close contact with infected animals. This current virus is a novel influenza A virus, more properly termed a new subtype of influenza A (H1N1) that was not previously detected in swine or humans. More important is that this new strain appears to be spread by human-to-human transmission.

It is likely that most people, particularly those who do not have regular contact with pigs, do not have any immunity to swine influenza viruses. Thus the concern is that if efficient human-to-human transmission is established, a pandemic is possible.

Government and public health officials are monitoring this situation worldwide to assess the threat from swine flu and to provide guidance to healthcare professionals and the public. Because the situation is changing rapidly, it is important to check regularly for changes in recommendations as new information becomes available.

This article is based on guidance and resources available from both the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO); they have been summarized here with the objective of offering practicing clinicians a one-stop resource for clinical practice concerns related to swine flu. What Is the Clinical Presentation of Swine Flu?

Persons infected with swine flu may appear similar to those with seasonal influenza, presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory illness. Symptoms include at least 2 of the following:

• Rhinorrhea or nasal congestion;
• Sore throat;
• Cough; and
• Fever.

In addition, persons with swine flu may have other typical symptoms of influenza, including body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly diarrhea and vomiting.

more…